Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 2786)
Republic Act No. 2786 is an Act that creates the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur by dividing the original Province of Surigao into two separate provinces.
The Province of Surigao del Norte consists of the municipalities of Dinagat, Loreto, Dapa, Numancia, General Luna, Pilar, Sapao, Malimono, Anaoaon, Surigao, Placer, Tagana-an, Mainit, Tubod, Bacuag, Gigaquit, Claver, Sison, San Isidro, Albor, and Cagdianao.
Surigao del Sur comprises the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Lanuza, Cortez, Tandag, Tago, Cagwait, Hinatuan, Marihatag, Lianga, Bislig, and Lingig.
The capital of Surigao del Norte is Surigao, and the capital of Surigao del Sur is Tandag.
The present elective provincial officers may choose to perform their duties in either of the two new provinces within 30 days from the approval of the Act, continuing to receive their existing salaries until new salary adjustments are made by law.
The President of the Philippines, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoints necessary officers to fill vacancies until December 31, 1961, or until successors are elected and qualified.
Special elections to fill any vacated elective provincial positions shall be held simultaneously with the national elections in November 1961.
They may choose to serve in either of the two new provinces within 30 days from the approval date of the Act, maintaining their current salaries until legally adjusted, and other appointments will be made as provided by law.
Each province shall have one Representative. The current Representative of the original Province of Surigao will represent Surigao del Norte during his term and also represent Surigao del Sur until a representative for Surigao del Sur is elected.
They shall be equitably divided between the two new provinces upon the President's recommendation based on the Auditor General's report.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 19, 1960.